“Any democracy is only as strong as its weakest link. Refugees are South
Africa’s weakest link and if we collude on impunity of our own officials,
and allow corruption, and deny refugees their rights, then South Africa is
not a country to be proud of.”
[Abeda Bhamjee, Lawyer, Wits Law Clinic, October 2003]
"The Zimbabwean situation of starvation and malnutrition, wilful
political violence and intimidation, and the immoral use of food aid by the
Zimbabwean government demands stronger and transparent intervention
by African governments through the AU. With more than three million
people displaced as a result of the crisis in Zimbabwe, a generation of
exiles and refugees has been created. This situation cannot be allowed to
continue. The Government of Zimbabwe must care for its own people."
[South African Catholic Bishops Conference, August 2004]
“We would be better off with only six million people, with our own people
who support the liberation struggle. We don’t want all these extra people”.
[Didymus Mutasa: Zanu-PF Organising Secretary,
August 2002]
“60% to 70% of Zimbabwean adults who should constitute the productive
population are living abroad.”
[Herbert Nkala, Publicity Committee Chairman for
Zimbabwe Reserve Bank’s “Homelink”, September 2004]
There is no civil war in Zimbabwe, so there is no reason to apply [for
asylum]…
[Home Affairs official, Johannesburg
Refugee Reception Office, July 2004]
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